Al-Hilal's Italian manager, Simone Inzaghi, has revealed the official lineup for the team's highly anticipated and crucial match against Neom FC, in the 16th round of the Saudi Professional League. All eyes of football fans are on the Kingdom Arena, Al-Hilal's new home ground, which will host this top-of-the-table clash amidst great anticipation from the fans.
Al-Hilal's official lineup against Neom
Inzaghi decided to field a star-studded lineup to secure the three points, and the squad selected for the match was as follows:
- Goalkeeper: Mohammed Al-Rubaie.
- Defense line: Hamad Al-Yami, Pablo Mari, Hassan Tambakti, Theo Hernandez.
- Midfield: Ruben Neves, Mohamed Kanno, Sergej Savic.
- Forwards: Malcolm Philip, Darwin Nunez, Marcus Leonardo.
Pablo Mari's debut and strengthening of the defense
The most notable aspect of this lineup is the first start for Spanish defender Pablo Mari. This appearance comes after his recent transfer from Italian club Fiorentina, following successful negotiations that finalized all financial and contractual details. The coaching staff and Al-Hilal fans are placing great hope in Mari's European experience to provide a significant boost to the defense, especially given the fierce competition in the league this season.
The absence of the leader and his impact
In contrast, Al-Hilal enters this match without its star player and captain, Salem Al-Dawsari, who is sidelined with a recent injury. The absence of "The Tornado" presents a challenge for the coaching staff, but the presence of other formidable attacking players like Uruguayan Darwin Núñez and Brazilian Malcom suggests the team's ability to compensate for this loss and maintain its attacking prowess.
The context of the competition and the importance of the match
The Al-Hilal vs. NEOM match holds immense significance, transcending its status as a mere three-pointer. It comes at a time when the Saudi Professional League (SPL) is experiencing tremendous growth and unprecedented global attention. NEOM FC represents an ambitious sporting project that reflects the Kingdom's sporting development, making this encounter a clash between Al-Hilal's rich history and championship-laden legacy, and the rising ambition of NEOM. Furthermore, hosting the match at the Kingdom Arena lends a global dimension to the encounter, given the stadium's state-of-the-art facilities and impressive fan base, further solidifying the Saudi Professional League's position as one of the strongest leagues in the region.
